Septic systems
For the average new homebuyer, there is nothing more horrifying than the thought of buying a home with a septic system. This hidden, underground system seems to conjure up thoughts of backyards flooded...
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Soils and foundations
Ever considered the base on which your house is sitting. Yes, there is a foundation between you and the surrounding soils. In general there are stone foundations bound with mortar mixture to help keep ...
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Care and maintenance of the fireplace
As I write this month's article, I am sitting beside a wood stove in a cabin by a frozen lake in Ontario. So this article's topic becomes very tangible and important, especially because I want to keep ...
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What is a home inspector?
The objective of writing this column is to act independently and discuss the typical property ownership/maintenance issues and real estate concerns for existing and perspective homeowners here at Lake ...
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Aljibes - underground water cisterns
Last month’s article stirred up some questions from some homeowners that I thought we could address in this month’s issue.
Aljibes (underground water cisterns) are a critical link it each homeowne...
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Water distribution systems
For many newcomers, the water distribution systems here in Mexico are different from water supply they are used to in the rest of North America.
In the case of a typical home in Canada or the USA, the...
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To build or buy a house in Mexico
The houses here are distinctly different to those where you come from and, on top of that, the person(s) constructing your house are speaking another language.
read moreHow much electricity am I using?
It seems last month's article regarding our electrical bills touched a lot of people here in my reading audience. Thank you for you kind comments and questions. I wanted to expand a little more regardi...
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Why hasn't my home sold?
An important factor is the condition of the house. This relates back to the general appearance of the home and those important first impressions.
With this month's edition I want to touch on some ...
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Electrical surges and spikes
We see them in just about every house here at Lake Chapala. Sometimes they are humming and others quietly sit in a corner, showing a little light on. But all are on guard, protecting our electronic dev...
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Salitre: a form of masonry cancer?
Salitre is the Spanish term commonly used for masonry “efflorescence.” Salitre is the white powdery stain that forms on the surface of bricks and concrete and can cause the stucco or paint o...
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Cracks in masonry
No, this is not an article about an additive drug, a quick glib joke or that exposed skin area of the refrigerator repairman's lower back, as he crouches down in front of you. This article is about mas...
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How much are you paying for electricity?
After studying many homes here at Lake Chapala, it is interesting to learn to how much electricity each home uses and, more interesting, how much the home owner is paying for their electricity.
Electr...
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Grading and drainage in Lake Chapala real estate
The rules are different for Lake Chapala real estate – the elevation of the house and how the surrounding gardens and street are graded can affect the quality of your home.
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